U.S. patent number 8,321,081 [Application Number 12/702,519] was granted by the patent office on 2012-11-27 for plug-in vehicle management system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Denso Corporation. Invention is credited to Kazuo Nakamura.
United States Patent |
8,321,081 |
Nakamura |
November 27, 2012 |
Plug-in vehicle management system
Abstract
A plug-in vehicle management system enables charging of a
plug-in vehicle from a power supply station through an electric
power line and power line communication between the power supply
station and the vehicle. When a vehicle-side connector and a
station-side connector are connected to enable the power-line
communication between a vehicle-side power line communication
section and a station-side power line communication section, a
vehicle-side security control section and a station-side security
control section cooperate so that one of a vehicle-side
input/output section and a station-side input/output section
receives an input signal and transmits it to the other of the
vehicle-side input/output section and the station-side input/output
section.
Inventors: |
Nakamura; Kazuo (Obu,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Denso Corporation (Kariya,
Aichi-Pref., JP)
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Family
ID: |
51355366 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/702,519 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100204865 A1 |
Aug 12, 2010 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Feb 9, 2009 [JP] |
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2009-27317 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/22;
701/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L
53/305 (20190201); B60L 3/00 (20130101); B60L
53/14 (20190201); B60L 53/665 (20190201); G07F
15/005 (20130101); B60L 53/65 (20190201); B60L
50/16 (20190201); B60L 1/003 (20130101); Y02T
10/7072 (20130101); Y02T 90/12 (20130101); Y02T
90/167 (20130101); Y02T 10/72 (20130101); B60L
2270/32 (20130101); B60L 2270/34 (20130101); Y02T
10/62 (20130101); B60L 2240/622 (20130101); B60L
2270/36 (20130101); B60L 2240/28 (20130101); B60L
2240/70 (20130101); Y02T 90/16 (20130101); Y02T
90/14 (20130101); Y02T 10/70 (20130101); B60L
2240/34 (20130101); Y04S 30/14 (20130101); Y02T
90/169 (20130101); B60L 2250/10 (20130101); B60L
2270/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60L
9/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/426.18,426.22,426.23 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2 058 916 |
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May 2009 |
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EP |
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61-191944 |
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Nov 1986 |
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JP |
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2000-40196 |
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Feb 2000 |
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JP |
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2002-185583 |
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Jun 2002 |
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JP |
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2003-23378 |
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Jan 2003 |
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JP |
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2003-023442 |
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Jan 2003 |
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JP |
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2004-62690 |
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Feb 2004 |
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JP |
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2004-318643 |
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Nov 2004 |
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JP |
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2005-227965 |
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Aug 2005 |
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JP |
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2005-327019 |
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Nov 2005 |
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JP |
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2007-72686 |
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Mar 2007 |
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JP |
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2007-236173 |
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Sep 2007 |
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JP |
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2007-246070 |
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Sep 2007 |
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JP |
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2008-14099 |
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Jan 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-063757 |
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Mar 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-222009 |
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Sep 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-278740 |
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Nov 2008 |
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JP |
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Other References
Rawson et al., Electric Vehicle Charging Equipement Design and
Health and Safety Codes, 1998, California Energy Commission
(Pertinent Pages: pp. 1-2) [retrieved from
www.energy.ca.gov/papers/98-09-23.sub.--kateley.pdf on Mar. 21,
2012]. cited by examiner .
Japanese Office Action dated Feb. 15, 2011, issued in corresponding
Japanese Application No. 2009-027317 with English Translation.
cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Camby; Richard M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye PC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plug-in vehicle management system, which performs charging of
a plug-in vehicle by a power supply station through a power supply
line, the plug-in vehicle management system comprising: a
vehicle-side connector provided at a vehicle-side part of the power
supply line; a battery provided in the plug-in vehicle to be
charged through the power supply line; a station-side connector
provided at a station-side part of the power supply line and
connectable to the vehicle side connector; a commercial power
source connection for supplying the station-side part of the power
supply line with commercial voltage; a vehicle-side power line
communication section provided in the plug-in vehicle for
performing power line communication with the power supply station
through the power supply line; a vehicle-side security control
section provided in the plug-in vehicle and connected to the
vehicle-side power line communication section; a station-side power
line communication section provided in the power supply station for
performing the power line communication with the plug-in vehicle
through the power supply line; a station-side security control
section provided in the power supply station and connected to the
station-side power line communication section; an electronic
certification key provided for the vehicle for locking and
unlocking a door of the plug-in vehicle based on successfully
performing electronic certification thereof; an electronic
certification control section provided at a foyer of the power
supply station for checking (a) whether a predetermined user
unlocking manipulation has been performed and (b) whether the
electronic certification key is an authorized one; and an
electrically-driven lock provided at the foyer of the power supply
station and unlockable when the electronic certification key is
confirmed to be the authorized one by the electronic certification
control section, wherein at least one of the vehicle-side security
control section and the station-side security control section is
configured to detect whether the vehicle-side connector is
connected to the station-side connector, and wherein the
station-side security control section is configured to unlock the
electrically-driven lock, when (a) the vehicle-side security
control section or the station-side security control section
detects connection of the connectors and (b) the electronic
certification control section confirms that the electronic
certification key is the authorized one and (c) the predetermined
user unlock manipulation has been performed on the
electrically-driven lock provided at the power supply station or
the electronic certification key for unlocking the foyer.
2. The plug-in vehicle management system according to claim 1,
further comprising: a condition sensor for detecting a station
condition, which includes at least one of gas supply main cock
condition, light condition, foyer condition, window condition, and
air-conditioner condition in the power supply station, wherein the
vehicle-side security control section or the station-side security
control section is configured to detect disconnection of the
vehicle-side connector from the station-side connector, and wherein
the condition sensor is configured to detect the power supply
station condition when the disconnection is detected by the
vehicle-side security control section or the station-side security
control section.
3. A plug-in vehicle management system, which performs charging of
a plug-in vehicle by a power supply station through a power supply
line, the plug-in vehicle management system comprising: a
vehicle-side connector provided at a vehicle-side part of the power
supply line; a battery provided in the plug-in vehicle to be
charged through the power supply line; a station-side connector
provided at a station-side part of the power supply line and
connectable to the vehicle side connector; a commercial power
source connection for supplying the station-side part of the power
supply line with commercial voltage; a vehicle-side power line
communication section provided in the plug-in vehicle for
performing power line communication with the power supply station
through the power supply line; a vehicle-side security control
section provided in the plug-in vehicle and connected to the
vehicle-side power line communication section; a station-side power
line communication section provided in the power supply station for
performing the power line communication with the plug-in vehicle
through the power supply line; a station-side security control
section provided in the power supply station and connected to the
station-side power line communication section; an electronic
certification key provided for the vehicle for locking and
unlocking a door of the plug-in vehicle based on successfully
performing electronic certification thereof; an electronic
certification control section provided in each of the power supply
station and the plug-in vehicle for checking whether the electronic
certification key is an authorized one; and a vehicle anti-theft
control section provided in the vehicle for allowing starting of a
vehicle drive motor or a hybrid engine only when the electronic
certification control section confirms that the electronic
certification key is the authorized one, wherein the vehicle-side
security control section is configured to detect connection of the
vehicle-side connector to the station-side connector and
disconnection of the vehicle-side connector from the station-side
connector, wherein the vehicle-side security control section and
the station-side security control section are configured to
cooperate to allow charging of the battery by the commercial power
source through the power supply line, when the electronic
certification control section of the power supply station confirms
that the electronic certification key is the authorized one at a
time when connection by the vehicle-side security control section
is detected, wherein the vehicle-side security control section and
the station-side security control section are configured to
cooperate to inhibit charging the battery by the commercial power
source through the power supply line, when the electronic
certification control section of the power supply station fails to
confirm that the electronic certification key is the authorized one
at a time when connection by the vehicle-side security control
section is detected, and wherein the vehicle-side security control
section and the station-side security control section are
configured to cooperate to inhibit starting a drive motor or hybrid
engine, when the electronic certification control section of the
plug-in vehicle fails to confirm that the electronic certification
key is the authorized one when disconnection by the vehicle-side
security control section is detected.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is based on and incorporates herein by
reference Japanese patent application No. 2009-027317 filed on Feb.
9, 2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a plug-in vehicle management
system, which enables charging of a vehicle by an electric power
line of a power supply station and power line communication between
the power supply station and the plug-in vehicle through the power
supply line.
BACKGROUND
Various electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles are developed recently
as plug-in vehicles so that a storage battery of such vehicles may
be charged by a commercial power source available at home for
example.
The plug-in vehicle is parked in a parking garage of a home after
certain travel and its battery is charged to prepare for a next
travel event. According to a power line communication system of an
electric vehicle, as disclosed in JP 2003-23378A, the electric
vehicle is charged by using a home power supply network. Security
of the vehicle needs to be assured while it is being charged.
Therefore, it is proposed in JP 2003-23378A to allow the charging
only when identification codes (ID) assigned to the electric
vehicle and to the power outlet of the power supply network
correspond to each other or to issue an alarm by a visual display
device if the vehicle is disengaged from the power outlet without
releasing a security key.
It is desired, however, that the plug-in vehicle management system
provide much higher security or additional application
functions.
BRIEF SUMMARY
It is, therefore, an object of the present exemplary embodiment to
provide a plug-in vehicle management system, which can enhance
security of a plug-in vehicle or a power supply station and provide
additional applications for the plug-in vehicle or the power supply
station.
According to the present exemplary embodiment, a plug-in vehicle
management system is provided to perform charging of a plug-in
vehicle by a power supply station through a power supply line, as
well as power line communication between the plug-in vehicle and
the power supply station through the power supply line.
In a first aspect, the plug-in vehicle is provided with a
vehicle-side power line communication section for performing power
line communication with the power supply station through the power
supply line, and a vehicle-side security control section for
controlling a vehicle-side input/output section provided in the
plug-in vehicle. The power supply station is provided with a
station-side power line communication section for performing the
power line communication with the plug-in vehicle through the power
supply line, and a station-side security control section for
controlling a station-side input/output section provided in the
power supply station. The vehicle-side security control section and
the station-side security control section are configured to
cooperate to receive an input signal at one of the vehicle-side
security control section and the station-side security control
section, and transmit an output signal to the other of the
vehicle-side security control section and the station-side security
control section, when the power line communication is performed
between the vehicle-side power line communication section and the
station-side power line communication section.
In a second aspect, the plug-in vehicle is provided with a
vehicle-side power line communication section for performing power
line communication with the power supply station through the power
supply line, and a vehicle-side security control section connected
to the vehicle-side power line communication section. The power
supply station is provided with a station-side power line
communication section for performing the power line communication
with the plug-in vehicle through the power supply line, a
station-side security control section connected to the station-side
power line communication section, an electronic certification
control section provided at a foyer of the power supply station for
checking whether an electronic certification key for the plug-in
vehicle is an authorized one, and an electrically-driven lock
provided at the foyer of the power supply station and unlockable
when the electronic certification key is confirmed to be the
authorized one by the electronic certification control section. The
vehicle-side security control section or the station-side security
control section is configured to detect whether the vehicle-side
connector is connected to the station-side connector. The
station-side security control section is configured to unlock the
electrically-driven lock, when the vehicle-side security control
section or the station-side security control section detects
connection of the connectors and the electronic certification
control section confirms that the electronic certification key is
the authorized one at time of performing unlock manipulation on the
electrically-driven lock provided at the power supply station or
the electronic certification key for unlocking the foyer.
In a third aspect, the plug-in vehicle is provided with a
vehicle-side power line communication section for performing power
line communication with the power supply station through the power
supply line, and a vehicle-side security control section connected
to the vehicle-side power line communication section. The power
supply station is provided with a station-side power line
communication section for performing the power line communication
with the plug-in vehicle through the power supply line, a
station-side security control section connected to the station-side
power line communication section. An electronic certification
control section is provided in each of the power supply station and
the plug-in vehicle for checking whether an electronic
certification key for the plug-in vehicle is an authorized one. A
vehicle anti-theft control section is provided in the vehicle for
allowing starting of a vehicle drive motor or a hybrid engine only
when the electronic certification control section confirms that the
electronic certification key is the authorized one. The
vehicle-side security control section and the station-side security
control section are configured to cooperate to allow charging of
the battery by the commercial power source through the power supply
line, when the electronic certification control section of the
power supply station confirms that the electronic certification key
is the authorized one at time of detection of connection of the
battery to the commercial power source by the vehicle-side security
control section. The vehicle-side security control section and the
station-side security control section are configured to cooperate
to inhibit charging the battery by the commercial power source
through the power supply line, when the electronic certification
control section of the power supply station fails to confirm that
the electronic certification key is the authorized one at time of
detection of the connection of the battery to the commercial power
source by the vehicle-side security control section. The
vehicle-side security control section and the station-side security
control section are configured to cooperate to inhibit starting the
drive motor or the hybrid engine, when the electronic certification
control section of the plug-in vehicle fails to confirm that the
electronic certification key is the authorized one at time of
detection of the disconnection by the vehicle-side security control
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present
exemplary embodiment will become more apparent from the following
detailed description made with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plug-in vehicle management system
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a plug-in vehicle management system
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing performed in the second
embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a plug-in vehicle management system
according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a plug-in vehicle management system
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A plug-in vehicle management system will be described in detail
with reference to exemplary preferred embodiments. In the following
embodiments, a station is a power supply station, which includes a
home, a building, a parking garage and the like, where a user of a
plug-in vehicle is allowed to charge a storage battery of the
plug-in vehicle by a commercial power source through an electric
power supply line. The power supply line not only supplies AC
voltage of a fixed frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz but also transmits high
frequency-modulated signal of minute voltage by superimposition on
the AC voltage for power line communication through the power
supply line. The high-frequency modulated signal includes data,
which is transmitted from one side to the other side.
It is noted in the following embodiments that the same or similar
sections and parts are designated by the same or similar reference
numerals or signs, whereby the same or similar description need not
be repeated.
(First Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, a plug-in vehicle management system 1 is
configured to enable charging of a plug-in vehicle 4 from an
electric power supply station 2 through an electric power supply
line 6 and power line communication between the power supply
station 2 and the plug-in vehicle 4. The plug-in vehicle 4 includes
a vehicle-side connector 41 provided at the connection section of a
vehicle-side section 6B of the power supply line 6, a storage
battery 42 configured to be charged from the power supply line 6, a
vehicle-side power line communication section 44 for performing the
power line communication with the power supply station 2 through
the power supply line 6, and a vehicle-side security control
section 45 for controlling a vehicle-side input/output section 5
provided in the plug-in vehicle 4 by the communication section 44
by way of the power line communication with the power supply
station 2 by the vehicle-side power line communication section
44.
The power supply station 2 includes a station-side connector 21
provided at the connection section of a station-side section 6A of
the power supply line 6 to be connected to the vehicle-side
connector 41, a commercial power source 22 for supplying commercial
electric voltage to the station-side section 6A of the power supply
line 6, a station-side power line communication section 24 for
performing power line communication with the plug-in vehicle 4
through power supply line 6, and a station-side security control
section 25 for controlling a station-side input/output section 3
provided in the power supply station 2 by way of the power line
communication with the plug-in vehicle 4 by the station-side power
line communication section 24.
In this system 1, when the vehicle-side connector 41 is connected
to the station-side connector 21 and the vehicle-side power line
communication section 44 to enable the power line communication
between the vehicle-side power line communication section 44 and
the station-side power line communication section 24, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to transmit input signals
received at one of the station-side input/output section 3 and the
vehicle-side input/output section 5 to the other of the
station-side input/output section 3 and the vehicle-side
input/output section 5. The cooperation of the vehicle-side
security control section 45 and the station-side security control
section 25 means mutual communication of data.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 is further configured to
enhance security of the plug-in vehicle 4 and the power supply
station 2, as well as an application (additional function) of the
plug-in vehicle 4 and the power supply station 2. The power supply
line 6 is a power supply line of the commercial power source 22,
which supplies AC voltage of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and is configured to
enable communication by way of the power line communication
function of the station-side power line communication section 24
and the vehicle-side power line communication section 44. This
communication is performed by superimposing a high frequency
modulation signal of minute voltage on the power supply line 6.
In the power supply station 2, a station-side charge control
section 23 is connected to the commercial power source 22 for
controlling electric power and the like supplied to the plug-in
vehicle 4 and connected to the station-side section 6A of the power
supply line 6. The station-side power line communication section 24
is connected to the power supply line 6 at the power supply station
2. The station-side security control section 25 is connected to the
station-side power line communication section 24. The station-side
input/output section 3 is connected to the station-side security
control section 25 through a home network (local area network
communication line and the like). In the power supply station 2, a
home server 31 is provided for controlling a network of a variety
of devices (station-side input/output section 3) in a home network
30. The home server 31 may be formed by a personal computer or the
like.
In the power supply station 2, a home security device 32, which
operates in cooperation with a television set 33 and the like, is
provided. A user of the plug-in vehicle 4 can thus perform various
monitoring by using the vehicle-side input/output section 5 of the
plug-in vehicle 4 by operating the home security device 32.
Although the main control section of the power supply station 2 is
enclosed by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the power supply
station 2 means the entire facility of a home.
In the plug-in vehicle 4, a vehicle-side charge control section 43
is connected to the vehicle-side power line section 6B of the power
supply line 6 for controlling charging of the battery 42. The
battery 42 is connected to the vehicle-side power line section 6B
of the power supply line 6 at the plug-in vehicle 4 through the
vehicle-side charge control section 43. The vehicle-side power line
communication section 44 is connected to the vehicle-side power
line section 6B of the power supply line 6. The vehicle-side
security control section 45 is connected to the vehicle-side power
line communication section 44, The vehicle-side input/output
section 5 is connected to the vehicle-side security control section
45.
The vehicle-side input/output section 5 includes, as vehicle-side
input devices, a vehicle intrusion sensor 52 provided at doors or
the like of the plug-in vehicle 4, a camera 53 for taking pictures
of at least one of the inside or the outside of the plug-in vehicle
4, a charge detection sensor 54 for detecting an amount of electric
charge of the battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4, a fuel detection
sensor 55 for detecting a remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank
of the plug-in vehicle 4, a lock detection sensor 56 for detecting
door lock condition of the plug-in vehicle 4, and a car navigation
system 51, which is provided as a control computer in the plug-in
vehicle 4. The vehicle-side input/output section 5 also includes,
as vehicle-side output devices, the car navigation system 51
provided in the plug-in vehicle 4 as a monitor system operable by a
user and an alarm (horn) 57 provided in the plug-in vehicle 4.
The station-side input/output section 3 includes, as station-side
input devices, a home condition sensor 34 and a station-side
intrusion sensor 35. The condition sensor 34 detects a variety of
conditions of the power supply station 2, such as gas supply main
cock on/off condition, light on/off condition, foyer door lock
on/off condition, window open/close or lock on/off condition and
air-conditioner on/off condition. The intrusion sensor 35 detects
intrusion at the foyer and windows of the power supply station 2.
The station-side input/output section 3 also includes, as
station-side input devices, the television set 33 provided as an
image monitor in the power supply station 2 and lights 36 provided
in the power supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 according to the first
embodiment performs its control operation as follows.
When the plug-in vehicle 4 is parked by a user in the garage of the
power supply station 2, for example, the vehicle-side connector 41
provided in the plug-in vehicle 4 is connected to the station-side
connector 21 to electrically connect the plug-in vehicle 4 to the
power supply station 2 through the power supply line 6. By control
operation of the station-side charge control section 23 and the
vehicle-side charge control section 43, the battery 42 of the
plug-in vehicle 4 is charged by the commercial power source 22
through the power supply line 6. When the vehicle-side connector 41
is connected to the station-side connector 21, the power line
communication through the power supply line 6 is enabled between
the vehicle-side power line communication section 44 and the
station-side power line communication section 24. By operation of
the vehicle-side power line communication section 44 and the
station-side power line communication section 24, the vehicle-side
security control section 45 for controlling the vehicle-side
input/output section 5 and the station-side security control
section 25 for controlling the station-side input/output section 3
become cooperative.
Under the chargeable condition through the power supply line 6,
various security operations in the plug-in vehicle 4 and the power
supply station 2, as well as various applications (additional
functions) relative to the plug-in vehicle 4 and the power supply
station 2, can be realized by the cooperative operations of the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25.
Various security operations and application operations will be
described below.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 provides, as one of the
security operations for the plug-in vehicle 4, monitoring an
unauthorized manipulation on the plug-in vehicle 4. Specifically,
when the intrusion sensor 52 provided at the doors or the like of
the plug-in vehicle 4 detects an unauthorized operation on the
vehicle 4, the vehicle-side security control section 45 controls
the camera 53 of the plug-in vehicle 4 to photograph the inside
compartment and the outside area of the vehicle 4. The vehicle-side
security control section 45 and the station-side security control
section 25 cooperate to display the images photographed by the
camera 53 on the television set 33 used as the image display
section in the power supply station 2 by transmitting the images
outputted by the camera 53 (input/output section 4) of the plug-in
vehicle 4 to the television set 33 (input/output section 3) of the
power supply station through the power supply line 6. By thus using
the power supply line 6, which is provided to charge the battery 42
by the commercial power source 22, an authorized user such as the
owner of the plug-in vehicle 4 can check the compartment of the
plug-in vehicle 4 when the unauthorized manipulation is performed
on the plug-in vehicle 4 even if staying away from the plug-in
vehicle 4 in the power supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 also provides another
monitoring of the unauthorized manipulation on the plug-in vehicle
4 as one of the security operations for the plug-in vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the intrusion sensor 52 provided in the plug-in
vehicle 4 detects an unauthorized manipulation on the vehicle 4,
the vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to activate all the lights 36
(or light 36 in the bedroom at night). By thus using the power
supply line 6, which is provided to charge the battery 42 by the
commercial power source 22, the authorized user of the plug-in
vehicle 4 even if staying away from the plug-in vehicle 4 in the
power supply station 22 can be notified of the unauthorized
manipulation on the plug-in vehicle 4 in the simple manner.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 provides, as one of the
application operations for the plug-in vehicle 4, monitoring of the
charge amount of the battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power
supply station 2 manipulates the home security device 32, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the television
set 33 in the power supply station 2 the charge amount detected by
the charge detection sensor 54 of the plug-in vehicle 4. By thus
using the power supply line 6, which is provided to charge the
battery 42 by the commercial power source 22, the user of the
plug-in vehicle 4 can check the charge amount of the battery 42
while staying away from the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power supply
station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 further provides, as
another one of the application operations for the plug-in vehicle
4, monitoring of the charge amount of the battery 42 of the plug-in
vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power
supply station 2 manipulates the home security device 32, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the television
set 33 in the power supply station 2 the amount of remaining fuel
in the fuel tank detected by the fuel sensor 55. By thus using the
power supply line 6, which is provided to charge the battery 42 by
the commercial power source 22, the user of the plug-in vehicle 4
can check the amount of charge of the battery 42 while staying away
from the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 provides, as a further one
of the application operations for the plug-in vehicle 4, monitoring
of a door condition (door lock on/off condition) of the plug-in
vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power
supply station 2 manipulates the home security device 32, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the television
set 33 in the power supply station 2 the lock/unlock condition of
the door detected by the lock detection sensor 56 provided at the
door of the plug-in vehicle 4. By thus using the power supply line
6, which is provided to charge the battery 42 by the commercial
power source 22, the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 can check the
lock/unlock condition of the door of the vehicle while staying away
from the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 further provides, as a
still further one of the application operations for the plug-in
vehicle 4, monitoring of a variety of vehicle information
(diagnosis information, etc.) of the plug-in vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power
supply station 2 manipulates the home security device 32, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the television
set 33 in the power supply station 2 the vehicle information, which
is managed by the car navigation system 51 provided in the plug-in
vehicle 4. By thus using the power supply line 6, which is provided
to charge the battery 42 by the commercial power source 22, the
user of the plug-in vehicle 4 can check the vehicle information of
the plug-in vehicle 4 while staying away from the plug-in vehicle 4
in the power supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 further provides, as a
still further one of the application operations for the plug-in
vehicle 4, monitoring of the inside and the outside of the plug-in
vehicle 4.
Specifically, when the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power
supply station 2 manipulates the home security device 32, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the television
set 33 in the power supply station 2 the images photographed by the
camera 53. By thus using the power supply line 6, which is provided
to charge the battery 42 by the commercial power source 22, the
user of the plug-in vehicle 4 can check the inside condition and
the outside condition of the plug-in vehicle 4 while staying away
from the plug-in vehicle 4 in the power supply station 2. For
example, it can be checked whether it is raining outside the power
supply station 2.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 further provides, as one of
the application operations for the power supply station 2,
monitoring of various condition such as utility, door lock and the
like of the power supply station 2. Specifically, when the user of
the plug-in vehicle 4 manipulates the car navigation system 51 in
the plug-in vehicle 4, the vehicle-side security control section 45
and the station-side security control section 25 cooperate to
display on the display section of the car navigation system 51 the
power supply station conditions. The power supply station
conditions include gas supply main cock on/off condition, the light
on/off condition, the foyer door lock on/off condition, the window
open/close or lock on/off condition, the air-conditioner on/off
condition and the like. By thus using the power supply line 6,
which is provided to charge the battery 42 by the commercial power
source 22, the user of the plug-in vehicle 4 can check various
conditions of the power supply station 2 while staying in the
plug-in vehicle 4.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 further provides, as
another one of the application operations for the power supply
station 2, monitoring of intrusion into the power supply station
2.
Specifically, when any intrusion into the power supply station 2,
particularly home, from the outside is detected by the intrusion
sensor 35 provided at locations such as the foyer or the windows of
the power supply station 2, the vehicle-side security control
section 45 and the station-side security control section 25
cooperate to activate the alarm 57 (horn) of the plug-in vehicle 4.
By thus using the power supply line 6, which is provided to charge
the battery 42 by the commercial power source 22, as well as the
alarm 57 of the plug-in vehicle 4, the unauthorized manipulation
performed on the foyer or the windows of the power supply station 2
is notified by sound in the plug-in vehicle 4 or its surrounding
area.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 according to the first
embodiment thus enhances the security of both the plug-in vehicle 4
and the power supply station 2 and enhances applications
(additional functions) for both the plug-in vehicle 4 and the power
supply station 2.
(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the application of unlocking the foyer of
the power supply station 2 performed by using the function of an
electronic certification key 7 of the plug-in vehicle 4 is
enhanced, assuming that the battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4 is
chargeable by the commercial power source 22.
As shown in FIG. 2, the plug-in vehicle 4 is provided with the
electronic certification key 7 so that doors of the plug-in vehicle
4 are locked and unlocked by performing electronic certification of
data. An electronic certification section 26 is provided at the
foyer of the power supply station 2 for checking whether the
electronic certification key 7 is an authorized key, that is
whether the authorized electronic key is present. The foyer lock is
an electrically-driven lock 37, which is unlocked when the control
section 26 determines that the electronic certification key 7 is
the authorized one. An electronic certification control section 46
is provided in the plug-in vehicle 4. The electronic certification
key 7 is referred to as a smart entry intelligent key in some
instances. The vehicle-side security control section 45 and the
station-side security control section 25 are configured to be able
to detect connection of the vehicle-side connector 41 to the
station-side connector 21.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 is configured to detect the
connection of each connector by the vehicle-side security control
section 45 or the station-side security control section 25, when
the foyer of the power supply station 2 is unlocked by the
unlocking manipulation on the electrically-driven lock 37 or the
unlocking manipulation of the electronic certification key 7. The
plug-in vehicle management system 1 is configured to unlock the
electrically-driven lock 37 of the power supply station 2, when the
electronic certification section 26 determines that the electronic
certification key 7 is the authorized one.
The plug-in vehicle management system 1 is further configured to
automatically notify a security company or the user of the plug-in
vehicle 4 of unauthorized unlocking manipulation on the
electrically-driven lock 37 as an intrusion alarm processing,when
the unauthorized unlocking manipulation is repeated.
The control operation of the plug-in vehicle management system 1 is
described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
3,
When this control processing is started in the control system 1, a
count indicating the number of times of unauthorized unlocking
manipulation on the foyer lock, is initialized first (step S1). It
is checked next (step S2) whether unlocking manipulation has been
performed on the electrically-driven lock 37 provided at the power
supply station 2 by an unlock key or the electronic certification
key 7. If the unlocking manipulation has been confirmed, it is
checked (step S3) whether the plug-in vehicle 4 is being parked or
charged. This may be checked depending on whether the connection of
each connector is detected by the vehicle-side security control
section 45 or the station-side security control section 25. If no
connection is detected, it is determined that the plug-in vehicle 4
is not parked at the power supply station 2 or not charged by the
commercial power source 22. This situation will indicate a
possibility that an unauthorized person, who is not the user of the
plug-in vehicle 4 or the owner of the power supply station 2, is
trying to intrude upon the power supply station 2. In this case,
the count is incremented (step S6) as the unauthorized unlocking
manipulation on the foyer of the power supply station 2.
If the connection of the connectors 21 and 41 is detected, that is,
the plug-in vehicle 4 is parked or charged, it is checked (step S4)
by the electronic certification section 26 whether the electronic
certification key 7 is the authorized one. This check may be
performed by checking whether the electronic certification key 7,
which is authorized, is present within a predetermined detection
area. If it is determined that the authorized electronic key 7 is
present, the electrically-driven lock 37 of the foyer is
automatically unlocked (step S5). If it is determined that the
authorized electronic key 7 is not present, the count is
incremented (step S6) as the unauthorized unlocking manipulation on
the foyer of the power supply station 2. If the count reaches or
exceeds a predetermined number (step S7), it is determined that the
unauthorized unlocking manipulation has been repeated more than the
predetermined number of times, an intrusion alarm is issued (step
S8).
According to the second embodiment, the foyer lock
(electrically-driven lock 37) is allowed to be unlocked, only when
the vehicle 4 is being charged in the power supply station 2 and
the user carries the electronic certification key 7. That is, the
foyer lock is not allowed to be unlocked, when the plug-in vehicle
4 is not being charged or the user does not carry the electronic
certification key 7 at the time of performing the unlocking
manipulation on the foyer lock (unlocking manipulation by the
unlocking key provided in the power supply station 2 or by the
electronic certification key 7). As a result, according to the
plug-in vehicle management system 1 of the second embodiment, the
application (additional function) for the power supply station 2
such as a home and the like can be enhanced.
According to the second embodiment, the power line communication
between the vehicle-side power line communication section 44 and
the station-side power line communication section 24 through the
power supply line 6 is enabled when the vehicle-side connector 41
of the plug-in vehicle 4 is connected to the station-side connector
21 of the power supply station 2. Further, the cooperative
operation between the vehicle-side security control section 45 for
controlling the vehicle-side input/output section 5 and the
station-side security control section 25 for controlling the
station-side input/output section 3 is enabled by the vehicle-side
power line communication section. 44 and the station-side power
line communication section 24.
(Third Embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the application for the power supply
station 2 is enhanced as well relative to the plug-in vehicle
management system 1 described as the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of condition sensors 34a to 34n
(referred to the condition sensor 34 collectively) are provided in
correspondence to various conditions of the power supply station 2
such as the gas supply main cock on/off condition, light on/off
condition, foyer lock on/off condition, window open/close or lock
on/off condition and air-conditioner on/off condition. The car
navigation system 51 in the vehicle 4 is configured to display on
its display section various conditions of the power supply station
2 detected by the condition sensor 34.
In the plug-in vehicle management system 1, under the condition
that the battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4 is charged after the
vehicle-side security control section 45 or the station-side
security control section 25 has detected the connection of each
connector 21, 41, the condition sensor 34 provided in the power
supply station 2 detects the power supply station condition when
the vehicle-side security control section 45 or the station-side
security control section 25 detects disconnection of each connector
21, 41.
The vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to display on the display
section of the car navigation system 51 in the plug-in vehicle 4
the power supply station condition detected by the condition sensor
34. If the power supply station condition has an abnormality, the
car navigation system 51 operates to issue an alarm of such
abnormality to the user in the vehicle 4. The cooperation of the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 is enabled by the mutual data
communication to each other.
When the vehicle-side connector 41 is pulled out from the
station-side connector 21 for travel of the plug-in vehicle 4, the
user can check in the plug-in vehicle 4 the power supply station
condition including the gas supply main cock on/off condition,
light on/off condition, foyer lock on/off condition, window
open/close or lock on/off condition and air-conditioner on/off
condition at the time of leaving the power supply station 2. Thus,
the plug-in vehicle management system 1 can further enhance the
application for the power supply station 2.
(Fourth Embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, security in case of charging the battery
42 is enhanced by using the electronic certification key 7 provided
for the plug-in vehicle 4 and the connector condition (connection
and disconnection) detection function provided in the vehicle-side
security control section 45.
As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic certification key 7 is provided
for the plug-in vehicle 4 to lock and unlock the doors of the
plug-in vehicle 4 by the electronic certification of ID. The
plug-in vehicle 4 and the power supply station 2 are provided with
respective certification control sections 46 and 26 for checking
whether the electronic certification key 7 is the authorized one,
respectively. The vehicle 4 is provided with a vehicle anti-theft
control section 47, which is configured to allow starting of a
vehicle drive motor or a hybrid-engine in the plug-in vehicle 4
only when the electronic certification section 26 in the power
supply station 2 has confirmed that the electronic certification
key 7 is the authorized one. The vehicle-side security control
section 45 is configured to detect the connection of the
vehicle-side connector 41 to the station-side connector 21 as well
as the disconnection of the vehicle-side connector 41 from the
station-side connector 21.
In the plug-in vehicle management system 1, when the electronic
certification section 26 in the power supply station 2 confirms
that the electronic certification key 7 is the authorized one under
the condition that the connection of the connectors 21, 41 is
detected by the vehicle-side security control section 45, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to perform charging of the
battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4 by the commercial power source
22 through the power supply line 6. When the electronic
certification section 26 in the power supply station 2 does not
confirm that the electronic certification key 7 is the authorized
one under the condition that the connection of the connectors 21,
41 is detected by the vehicle-side security control section 45, the
vehicle-side security control section 45 and the station-side
security control section 25 cooperate to disable charging of the
battery 42 of the plug-in vehicle 4 by the commercial power source
22 through the power supply line 6. Further, in the plug-in vehicle
management system 1, when the section 46 in the vehicle 46 does not
confirm that the electronic certification key 7 is the authorized
one under the condition that the vehicle-side security control
section 45 detects the disconnection of the connectors 21, 41, the
vehicle anti-theft control section 47 operates to inhibit the
starting of the drive motor or the hybrid engine.
According to the fourth embodiment, depending on whether the
electronic certification section 26 in the power supply station 2
detects that the electronic certification key 7 is the authorized
one under the condition that the connector connection is detected
by the vehicle-side security control section 45, the vehicle-side
security control section 45 and the station-side security control
section 25 cooperate to determine whether to allow or inhibit the
charging of the battery 42 by the commercial power source 22. When
the electronic certification section 26 in the power supply station
2 does not detect presence of the authorized electronic
certification key 7, the charging of the battery 42 by the
commercial power source 22 is inhibited. As a result, the charging
of the battery 42 is allowed only when the authorized user of the
power supply station 2 and the plug-in vehicle 4 connects the
vehicle-side connector 41 to the station-side connector 21. Thus,
unauthorized consumption of the electric power from the
station-side connector 21 is prevented. The station-side security
control section 25 may be configured to transmit the inhibition of
the charging to a mobile terminal such as a cell phone of the
authorized user, when the charging is inhibited or the presence of
the electronic certification key 7 is not detected.
Further, since the vehicle anti-theft control section 47 disables
the starting of the drive motor or the hybrid engine of the plug-in
vehicle 4, the plug-in vehicle 4 is disabled to travel when the
vehicle-side connector 41 is pulled out of the station-side
connector 21 a third person other than the authorized user. Thus,
the plug-in vehicle 4 is protected from theft. Thus, the plug-in
vehicle management system 1 can enhance the security of the vehicle
4 and the power supply station 2.
The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments,
but may be implemented in other ways. For example, each of the
embodiments may be combined with the other one or more of the
embodiments.
* * * * *
References